No announcement has yet been made on Pietersen's selection for the four-Test series with India, which begins on Oct 25. But by signing a short-term contract, the reconciliation between the England team and its best batsmen is finally underway.

"ECB and Kevin Pietersen confirm that agreement has been reached concerning a process for his re-integration into the England team during the remainder of 2012. Upon completion of the programme, the England Selectors will consider Kevin for future matches," read an ECB statement.

"Kevin Pietersen has apologised to Andrew Strauss and wishes to express to all those who support England his regrets at the impact the recent controversies have had on the England Team. He now wishes to put the events of the summer behind him and to focus on regaining his place in the England Team.

"With regards the issue of the BBM messages, due to the fact that Kevin had not retained the BBM messages, this matter has been successfully concluded through a binding assurance provided to ECB by Kevin.

"Kevin conceded that the messages exchanged were provocative. ECB is satisfied, following receipt of this binding assurance, that to the best of his recollection, Kevin did not convey any messages which were derogatory about the England Captain, the England Team Director, the ECB or employees of the ECB. Furthermore, there was no tactical information whatsoever provided to members of the South African Touring Party."

Pietersen is optimistic about making the tour to India, saying: "I hope so. I want to play for England as soon as I can. It's been a horrible situation for all involved. I am happy we are moving forward for a better result, I hope, for England cricket.

"The process has started really well and I believe that, all being well, I'll be back in an England shirt as soon as possible."

Andy Flower, England's team manager, will now oversee what is described as a "period of reintegration". Provided that passes without incident, Pietersen will be offered a full central contract.

Pietersen has not played for England since making 149 in the second Test against South Africa in August after a storm over his text messages to South Africa players which allegedly contained "derogatory" references to then England captain Andrew Strauss.

The incident meant he was not included previously on the list last month of those awarded contracts for 2012/13.

Flower will issue progress reports to team selectors who will only include Pietersen once they are satisfied that both he and the squad have had sufficient time to adjust.

Pietersen alienated many in the summer, first of all with his wish to play a full Indian Premier League campaign at a time when England have Test match obligations next spring, and then with the "provocative" text messages he sent to opposition South Africa players during the Headingley Test.

England reacted by dropping him from the final Test at Lord's, and he has also been absent from their failed ICC World Twenty20 campaign in Sri Lanka – where he is instead working as a television pundit.

But he has apologised for sending the texts – which may or may not have contained "derogatory" reference to former Test captain Andrew Strauss – and has also been engaged in recent weeks in a series of meetings with ECB top brass, aimed at finding the necessary common ground to reintegrate him into the England fold.